In many parts of the world, people prefer eating raw cashews. However, one should know that raw cashews can often be toxic. It is therefore advisable to consume roasted cashews. If you wish to utilise the health benefits of cashews, roast the seeds before eating them. Some of the benefits are as follows.
1. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Diets rich in nuts, such as cashews, improve heart health and reduce cardiovascular disease risks. These are rich in potassium, fatty acids and antioxidants, which can be beneficial for strengthening your heart. The stronger your heart is, the lower the chances of facing cardiovascular diseases.
Furthermore, cashews contain phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and oleic acid. These are good for heart health and strengthen the blood vessels. Apart from that, this nut can also improve good cholesterol (HDL) and eliminate bad cholesterol (LDL). In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the possibilities of internal inflammation of your heart, thereby reducing the chances of a heart attack.
2. Blood Pressure Management
Cashews can lower blood pressure while managing total and LDL cholesterol levels. This is because these nuts contain unsaturated fats and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and L-arginine. These can help dilate your blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure can be under control.
However, a recent study confirms that consuming cashew nuts can effectively reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels, but its effects on total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol levels are unclear.
3. Type-2 Diabetes Control
One of the most important benefits of eating cashew nuts is its ability to help people suffering from type-2 diabetes. These seeds are considered good sources of fibre, which can effectively manage and control blood sugar levels. This way, cashews protect you from the negative impacts of type-2 diabetes.
A study revealed that people who have type-2 diabetes could get 10% of their calorie Daily Value (DV), which helps them reduce their overall insulin level. It has low levels of net carb content. You can easily substitute food items with high crab levels and control your diabetic conditions.
4. Immunity Booster
Cashew nuts are also known for strengthening the immunity of individuals. These contain multiple nutrients, including vitamins and zinc. These are immune-boosting compounds contributing to basic cell processes. Intaking zinc regularly can strengthen your immunity and protect your system from getting infected easily.
Apart from that, this nut is also rich in copper. This mineral is essential for the human body. It boosts immunity and contributes to energy production and healthy brain development. Therefore, consuming cashews can contribute to strong immunity.
5. Bone Strength Booster
The risk of fragile bones has become a common health concern which comes with old age. Cashews are often considered a great source for strengthening bones and reducing the chances of bone-related diseases and injuries. This is because they are packed with copper and calcium. These minerals offer strength to the bones and protect them longer. Copper is also responsible for synthesising the collagens, thereby keeping your bones flexible and less prone to breakage.
Copper deficiency is often considered a major reason for osteoporosis. As cashews are rich in copper, their consumption can save you from such bone-related conditions. Moreover, cashews contain magnesium and manganese. These nutrients can contribute to strengthening the bone health of individuals.
6. Weight Control
The weight control factor is significant among other benefits of eating cashews daily. Its high calorie, protein, and fibre content make it capable of controlling body weight. Consuming cashews can keep you full for longer, controlling your cravings for heavy food items. Naturally, you can control and avoid gaining weight in the process.
The omega 3 fatty acids in cashews help them increase metabolism and avoid putting on weight. Even though these are high in calories, such nuts can hardly contribute to increasing your weight. However, you must keep your calorie consumption capacity in mind while including cashews in your diet.
7. Hair Benefits
Consuming a cashew rich diet cashews can be useful. These nuts can help produce hair pigment-melanin in the body, enhancing the hair colour and quality. In addition, doctors often suggest using cashew oil on the scalp for hair growth and health.
The copper content in cashew nuts contributes to the production of hair pigment and skin called melanin. Moreover, these nuts contain linoleic and oleic acids, which can provide a silky smooth texture to your hair. The fatty acids in cashews can maintain your hair health longer.
8. Eye Health
If you are concerned about the health of your eyes, consuming cashews can be essential. These are rich in antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein. These can protect your eyes from the UV rays. Furthermore, they form antioxidant pigments in the eyes, protecting them from damaging lights. They also contribute to reducing the growing risks of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The zeaxanthin content in the cashews can contribute to the protection of the eyes from the growing pollution in the urban world. This pigment is absorbed in the retina and thereby forms a protective layer preventing the entrance of UV rays.
9. Improvement of Skin
Consuming cashews daily can contribute to improving your skin conditions largely. Cashew oil is known for doing wonders to your skin. It is rich in valuable nutrients like zinc, selenium, magnesium, iron and phosphorous. Moreover, the high presence of phytochemicals, proteins and antioxidants are also seen in this oil. Therefore, it contributes to improving your skin conditions.
Cashews are rich in selenium, which can again contribute to skin health and prevent skin cancer. In addition, copper presence in cashews increases the production of elastin and collagen. Collagen can contribute to increasing the elasticity of your skin.
10. Nervous System Function
Magnesium in cashews plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy nervous system. It helps regulate neurotransmitter activity and supports muscle relaxation, reducing the risk of nerve-related conditions.
11. Mental Health
The magnesium and tryptophan in cashews are beneficial for mental health. Magnesium helps alleviate stress and anxiety, while tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood.
12. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cashews contain antioxidants and nutrients that have anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption can help reduce inflammation, which is linked to various chronic diseases.